The President, welcoming the delegation, recalled that the Buddhist links between the two countries existed since ancient times. Chinese monk Ven fa Hsien’s visit to Sri Lanka is mentioned in his writings as well as in our chronicles, he said.

Pointing out that amidst the technological revolution, the people are restless and unhappy and the Buddhist way of thinking is the best way to contentment in this stressful world, President Sirisena said. He added that his government would extend every possible assistance to the propagation of Buddhism and to strengthen Buddhist cultural links with other countries.

Ven Sangha Nayake Thero referred to the Chinese plan to reestablish the old Silk Route from China and President said Sri Lanka too wants to see the dream of the traditional Silk Route become a reality.

Most Ven napane Premasiri Mahanayake Thero of Ramanna Nikaye, Ven Nagoda Amarawansa Thero and several members of Sangha took part in the ceremony.